20 C.F.R. §§ 416.981–416.985

We will consider you blind under the law for payment of supplemental security income benefits if we determine that you are statutorily blind. Statutory blindness is central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with the use of a correcting lens. An eye which has a limitation in the field of vision so that the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle no greater than 20 degrees is considered to have a central visual acuity of 20/200 or less.

We shall also consider you blind for the purposes of payment of supplemental security income benefits if—

We will find that you are blind if you are statutorily blind within the meaning of § 416.981. For us to find that you are statutorily blind, it is not necessary—

There is no requirement that you be unable to work in order for us to find that you are blind. However, if you are working, your earnings will be considered under the income and resources rules in subparts K and L of this part. This means that if your income or resources exceed the limitations, you will not be eligible for benefits, even though you are blind.

If you are not blind as defined in the law, we will evaluate a visual impairment the same as we evaluate other impairments in determining disability. Although you will not qualify for benefits on the basis of blindness, you may still be eligible for benefits if we find that you are disabled as defined in §§ 416.905 through 416.907.